Newsom Accuses Trump of Inciting Civil War
California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters this week that President Donald Trump and the Department of Homeland Security are trying to “stoke a Civil War” in America. That line landed in the middle of a heated fight over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
Here’s what Newsom reportedly said, as published by other outlets:
“He’s trying to stoke a Civil War in this country,” he said, adding:
It’s a disgrace what he’s doing in Minneapolis. It’s a disgrace what his DHS [Department of Homeland Security] is putting out. Very intentionally stoking tensions. White supremacy being promoted. None of this is normal and it cannot be normalized.
Newsom’s claim is forceful. It ties federal enforcement and DHS messaging directly to racial extremism and national breakdown. That’s a heavy accusation coming from a governor who’s angling for national attention.
On the other side, critics say Newsom is projecting. They argue Trump is enforcing immigration law and trying to address issues created at the border. Those critics point to protests, clashes with ICE, and threats against agents in Democrat-run cities as evidence that the political left is amplifying tensions.
Some commentary in conservative media framed Newsom’s remarks as political theater aimed at energizing pro-migration voters and softening his standing with the party’s activist base — especially with 2028 presidential rumblings already following the governor.
There’s no denying the rhetoric is heating up. Both sides are using sharp language. Newsom warns of a national crisis. Supporters of enforcement say the country needs law and order at the border and in immigration policy.
The debate now is less about the phrase and more about the consequences. Does aggressive language calm things down or pour fuel on the fire? Each camp says their approach defuses danger and the other side provokes it.
Below is the governor’s tweet that helped spark coverage. The embed link is preserved here verbatim:
Donald Trump is trying to stoke a civil war in America.
What he's doing in Minneapolis is a disgrace.
What @DHSgov is doing is disgusting.
Terrorizing our communities and posting white supremacy memes cannot be normalized. pic.twitter.com/WVV54bNYhf
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 16, 2026
Donald Trump is trying to stoke a civil war in America.
What he’s doing in Minneapolis is a disgrace.
What @DHSgov is doing is disgusting.
Terrorizing our communities and posting white supremacy memes cannot be normalized. pic.twitter.com/WVV54bNYhf
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 16, 2026
Expect more back-and-forth. This issue touches law enforcement, immigration policy, political ambition, and public safety. Strong words from leaders will keep the story alive.